but for army captain william swenson, the first army officer to be given the medal for valor since vietnam, it is particularly bittersweet because he believes the strict rules of engagement and a delay in sending air support cost u.s. troops their lives. five americans were killed, two dozen injured. this is the same fierce battle in the valley for which marine sergeant dakota meyer was given the medal of honor two years ago. september 8, 2009, the u.s. team was enroute to meet some afghan village elders, they were ambushed and trapped by more than 60 taliban. the battle lasted seven hours. >> could i have done anything different? no. but could i always hope that the outcome could have been different? yeah. >> reporter: the real question is could the u.s. army have done anything differently? two of the commanders of captain swenson have been reprimanded, and some think that that is the reason his medal of honor award was delayed, bill. bill: so he could have and should have perhaps been